And there are lots of little refinements - more control over snap points, a modeless align/distribute dialog box, and improved import and export filters for PDF, PSD, SVG, and DXF/DWG files.Īll in all, Corel did a good job with Draw 11 (which is also sold separately for $399), but there’s one really big hole: the macro scripting capability. Corel also included a new poly-line and pen tool (the latter is basically a simple version of a Bezier pen), both of which are nice-to-have additions to the toolbox. To make a 3-point rectangle for example, you click to set the start, drag and click to set the baseline, and then click to set the height. Of course, you can’t edit the text anymore unless you Undo.įigure 3: We converted the paragraph text on the left to curves and added a distortion envelope and a fractal fill - cool!Īlso new are three tools for precision illustrations: 3-point ellipse, rectangle, and curve. But in version 11, once you have set the block text to your liking, you can convert it to curves and then apply special effects without losing the paragraph formatting (see figure 3). Paragraph or block text can be formatted with text styles such as drop caps, bullets, and indention, but you can’t add many fancy touches to it. This type of text could always be converted to curves so that special effects, such as natural media outlines and drop shadows, can be applied. Artistic text is basically single lines of type used mostly for headlines or flowing text along a curve. CorelDraw separates text into two categories: artistic and paragraph. On the other hand, we found the ability to convert paragraph text to curves without losing any formatting a powerful new feature. Illustrator’s deformer tools are far superior. These both distort outlines, but in a rather crude way. We were less impressed with two of Draw’s new tools - the Smudge and Roughen brushes. This elegant and efficient method of applying effects makes Illustrator’s ponderous dialog boxes seem pathetically antiquated.įigure 2: The new Symbol library supports bi-directional drag and drop - create a symbol by dragging it into the Library and the just drag symbols into your drawing. It’s a snap to apply transparency, gradient fills, 3D extrusions, drop shadows, and distortion envelopes on the fly by dragging the mouse over a selected object and then adjusting the effect’s position, color, and extent (see figure 1). This review was conducted on the PC, but apart from Mac OS X-specific issues - and note that version 11 is for Mac OS X only - comments made about the PC version apply equally to the Mac platform.ĬorelDraw’s forte is instant live special effects with interactive tools. Far easier to use than Adobe Illustrator (its only real rival), CorelDraw also sports a robust, agile toolbox and a brilliant interface that is totally user-configurable. The suite’s centerpiece, CorelDraw, is arguably the best illustration program on the PC side - it was one of the first to appear for that platform and has matured with it. and a simplified color management system, including predefined profiles for common output jobs such as press or Web.Ĭorel’s products have long been staples on the PC, and in recent years the company has made aggressive moves toward the Mac market. Suite-wide improvements include optimization for their respective operating system platforms (Windows XP and Mac OS X) tighter integration between the suite components, allowing seamless transport among Draw, Photo-Paint, and R.A.V.E. Version 11 contains three major applications: CorelDraw, a premier illustration program Corel Photo-Paint, a competent image editor, and Corel R.A.V.E (Rave), a basic Web-graphics-animation program.Īlthough Version 11 isn’t wildly different than its predecessor, it includes a handful of new tools and quite a few enhancements that make the programs a little more powerful and easy to use. Each version has seen changes in content as Corel continues to refine the product mix. Over the years, the CorelDraw Graphics Suite has evolved into a powerhouse for graphic designers.
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